Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Plus video headset for iPhone

These days, the Carl Zeiss name tends to be more associated with Nokia cellphone camera lenses than anything else, but the famed optics company has a few other irons in the consumer electronics fire. Latest is the Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Plus video headset which, when it launches in May, will be the first video eyewear to bear the “Works with iPhone” logo.

That’s along with the existing Cinemizer’s “Made for iPod” certification; the Cinemizer Plus headset will come with adapters for both the original iPhone and iPhone 3G, together with video-capable iPods. The effect is equivalent to viewing a 45-inch display from six feet away.

As with the Vuzix iWear we reviewed earlier in the year, each lens of the Carl Zeiss Cinemizer Plus has individual diopter focus adjustment; that means even glasses-wearers should be able to tweak the focus to suit. The battery is good for up to 4hrs runtime. Those in the UK, US and Germany will be able to pick up the Cinemizer Plus for $449 or £399.

Press Release:

Cinemizer Plus Gets First Approval for iPhone

The video eyewear from Carl Zeiss is made for iPod, and now Works with iPhone

The Cinemizer Plus, which launches in May, will be the first video eyewear to get the “Works with iPhone” approval from Apple. Designed to work with the iPod the original Cinemizer bore the “Made for iPod” approval from Apple. Further compliance with Apple requirements means that the new model gains the “Works with iPhone” approval in addition to the “Made for iPod” compliance.

“The huge success of the iPhone meant that we were keen to include compatibility with the Cinemizer Plus”, says Andreas Klavehn, Senior Manager for the Carl Zeiss Multimedia Devices at Carl Zeiss. “Soon iPhone users will be able to watch TV, movies, even 3D-video, while on the move.”

The Cinemizer Plus comes with clips to fit the iPhone (either versions), or any video capable iPod. It then plays back any video content you have thought the video headset, so you can get a cinema experience wherever you are.

The built in battery means the iPhone battery is conserved, and will run the display for up to four hours. The Cinemizer combines LCD screens with individual diopter focus adjustment (-3.5 to +3.5D). This means even if the user wears glasses the screen image can be focused for crystal-clear viewing. The resulting image is optically tuned to appear as virtual 45-inch (diagonal) screen, as viewed from six feet away (2 meters).

Availability
The Cinemizer Plus will be available in the USA, UK and Germany from May 2009 $449,00 in the US and £399,00 in the UK incl. VAT. The original Cinemizer is still available in some stores until May.